Tech Shout!

A while ago, we reported about Peter Moore, who took Microsoft’s leave to head EA (who turned out to be the lucky one). EA who must have been full of gratitude is now giving a little something back to Microsoft, in the form of John Schappert, the company’s executive vice president.

Now that Schappert has hopped on the Microsoft bandwagon, he will assume the post of corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services at Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB).

Most don’t know that John Schappert was actually the founder of the Florida-based Tiburon Entertainment way back in 1994. Then some four years later, this very company was acquired by EA.

Not only that; in his gaming career, Schappert also oversaw the creation of some of EA’s hit games such as the Madden NFL football franchise.

And, his most recent position at EA included the oversight of technology, operations and EA online. He also held the office of chief creative officer at EA.

But, all that is behind Schapper now, who is all set to focus on expanding Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE’s online services and will also look for ways to broaden the audience who uses it.

Schappert will also oversee Games for Windows- LIVE, XNA and Microsoft Casual Games, which offers over 400 games via MSN Games, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Games and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Don Mattrick, Vice President, IBE, Microsoft said, ““I am thrilled to have John join the deem bench of proven talent already on Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. John’s expertise will help us focus on expanding and enriching our market leadership with LIVE in areas like online services while broadening our audience.”

For those who don’t know, Mattrick was the one who took the place of Microsoft’s one and only Peter Moore.

“With these changes, we are dedicated to providing our customers, our partners and our employees with value, quality and high-performing teams,” Mattrick added.